Toronto, SMART DMUs will get Cummins Tier 4-compliant power

Written by
William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-Chief

Cummins QSK19-R diesel engineCumnins Inc.

Cummins Inc. is now producing its Tier 4 Final-compliant QSK19-R diesel engine, which will power the new Nippon Sharyo diesel multiple-unit (DMU) trainsets designed for transit and regional/commuter services in North America.

Cummins High-Horsepower Engine Business Vice President and General Manager Ed Pence said the QSK19-R is “the first railcar engine being produced in North America that is certified to meet Tier 4 Final ultra-low emissions standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), taking effect Jan. 1, 2015. The under-floor QSK19-R is the latest generation of the 19-liter, six-cylinder engine manufactured at our Seymour, Ind., Engine Plant.”

To meet EPA Tier 4 Final regulations and the equivalent Stage IIIB standards for railcars in Europe, the 19-liter engine is fully integrated with Cummins Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) aftertreatment. The SCR system reduces exhaust emissions to “extremely low levels,” with the three-car, three-engine configuration totaling 2,280 hp (1,700 kW) output, said Pence. “In addition to its clean-engine credentials, the QSK19-R has very fast torque response, with a peak output of 2,275 foot-pounds (3,084 N•m). This allows the DMU to achieve rapid acceleration from idle—an important advantage in reducing journey times on routes with short distances between stations.”

“Smart electronic controls and advanced combustion techniques result in a remarkably smooth power delivery from the QSK19-R, providing a comfortable travel experience for passengers when the DMU runs at its top speed of 90 mph (145 kph),”Pence added. “The engine runs quietly, with minimal vibration, due to an upgraded common-rail fuel system able to precisely balance fueling across the six cylinders. The horizontal envelope of the QSK19-R allows for a highly compact installation within a self-contained power module positioned underneath the railcar body. This space-efficient installation enables a flexible seated capacity of 180 to 237 passengers for the three-car DMU trainset, together with additional space for standing passengers during busy periods. Passenger convenience is further enhanced with step-in level boarding from the platform and allocated space in each railcar for up to 12 bicycles, wheelchairs, or strollers.”

Onboard power such as air-conditioning is generated from the QSK19-R by means of a high-efficiency drive shaft, eliminating the need for an additional engine for head-end (hotel) power. “Although compact in size, the QSK19-R shares the same inherent structural strength of larger Cummins high-horsepower engines, and uses premium materials throughout the engine to enhance durability,” noted Pence. “As a result, the engine is capable of operating for up to 20,000 hours before a rebuild may be required, dependent on duty cycle. Multiple-life capability means that the QSK19-R engine continues to work at peak performance, even after three rebuilds.”

“The QSK19-R already comes with an enviable reputation for uptime reliability well proven in DMU intercity operations in Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, and China,” said Pence. “A population of more than 1,700 railcars powered by the QSK19-R makes this by far the most successful underfloor railcar engine in the industry. We are delighted to be working with Nippon Sharyo to power its new DMU, which is uniquely designed for North America and will offer a fast, clean, and energy-efficient travel alternative to heavily congested highways. Production of the QSK19 engine is now under way at our Seymour facility, which means we will see the new Nippon Sharyo DMU up and running this year, ahead of when the Tier 4 Final regulations take effect.”